Breakfast on a Ferris Wheel?

Updated on December 1, 2012

In the heart of the South Jersey Shore, Wildwood, famous for its 50's motels, is located. Morey's Mariner's Landing Pier at Schellenger Avenue the home of the Giant Wheel, now offers Breakfast in the Sky.

While on a golfing vacation in California, the late Will Morey, Sr. came up with the idea of having breakfast on a Ferris wheel. It was l997. Jack and his brother Will, Jr. have finally made their father's dream come true.

The 45 minute ride moves slowly so it's a more serene ride. The view 16 stories high is spectacular! Guests can see greater Wilwood and clear down to the coast of Cape May on a clear day. The cars, which normally seat six passengers, seat only four allowing space for the table. Informally dressed engineers secure riders in cars then lower a specially made, fold-down table into the car. The table with a white tablecloth, china and silverware had to be made especially for this ride. Heavier silverware wrapped in a cloth napkin, and a weighted basket of condiments complete the table setting. Juice, and coffee in weighted carafes are brought to the table with a basket of pastries, croissants, and toast. Because of prevailing winds 160 feet above the boardwalk each serving piece had to be heavily weighted from the heavy metal bread baskets to the coffee cups to the lidded jar to dispose of the used sugar packets.

Chef Walter Jurusz, Morey's executive chef was brought in last summer to update and refine menu offerings in the restaurant and food statds on Morey's pier. He designed a menu that would match the vacation experience. Some thought it would be a continental breakfast, just danish and coffee but that is not the case. With seven items on the menu, every order is made to order and prepared in a kitchen less than 50 feet from the Ferris wheel. Once prepared the order is placed in an insulated cart and brought directly to the diner. "This is the only place in the world, that I know of , that you can do this, " Morey said.

Breakfast in the Sky is served from 9 A.M. to 11 A.M. , Friday through Mondays, with seatings every 15 minutes. Reservations are required. The breakfast costs $75 per car with one or two guests, $35 per additional person, maximum of four persons per car. Only 16 of the wheels's 40 cars are used for the breakfast experience. The huge wheel moves slowly around and stops at four stations. After the first rotation, the ride takes one full, non-stop trip around until finally coming to a stop for visitors to exit.

Judging from the early bookings, reservations are already tight. Breakfast will be served through August 23, 2010. For more information and to make reservations, call (609) 846-1624 or visiti www.MoreysPiers.com.

Personally , I have not tried this yet. For an extra special occasion or for an unforgettable memory , this idea can' t be beat. The Jersey shore is "Cooler by the mile" and the menu sounds great, too. ( Please see below . )

Breakfast Menu

Diners are asked to choose one selection.

Smoked Salmon Scrambled Eggs - three eggs scrambled with smoked salmon and capers. Complemented with home fries and toasted bagel and cream cheese.

Shrimp and Lobster Omelet - choice of American , pepperjack, Swiss or goat cheese, home fries and toast.

Granola, Fruit and Toast - served with either whole milk, skim milk, soy milk or yogurt with choice of toast.

Additional information for 20011

You will order your food when you place your reservation. Special diets will be accommodated as long as you communicate your diet restrictions during the reservation process. After that, no changes to the menu may be made. The Giant wheel will not stop for potty breaks once you enter the gondola. Each gondola can accommodate 4 people. You are 156 feet from the beach. Finally, How long will the experience last? 1 hour 15 minutes from your scheduled arrival time. However, actual time on the ride is 45 minutes to 1 hour. The costs are $ 85.00 for two ; $125 for three; and $165.00 for 4 guests. Reservations are being accepted April 1 st , please call 1- 609-846-1624 for additional information see the web site.

An unfortunate tragedy in June 20011

On June 3 , 2011 an eleven year old girl on a school trip fell from this Ferris wheel and was pronounced dead at Cape Regional Medical Center in Cape May Courthouse at 1:14 p.m. according to Wildwood police. She was alone in a gondola that has room for four adults.

The accident did not appear to be due to mechanical error, police and Morey's Pier stated.

The Giant Wheel, built in 1985, is among the tallest Ferris wheels on the East Coast. It was last inspected on March 17th and passed.

Employees check the rides several times a day. Th gondolas have locking gates but no seat belts, said Tim Samson, a Morey's Pier spokeman.

An estimated 4,000 to 5,000 students enjoyed the rides on Thursday and Friday that week to celebrate is annual Education Extravaganza . For 17 years, the park has hosted the event for students from grades three to 12 to learn about ecology, peer leadership, and physics.

The accident was the first fatality of a patron in the history of the organization.

According to a 2010 report from the National Safety Council, the estimated annual number of amusement -ride-related injuries on fixed-site rides nationwide was 1,086 or 0.6 per million patron rides.

Morey's Piers, family owned since 1969, has more than 100 rides on 18 acres at the Jersey Shore. Its three amusement piers closed Friday afternoon and were scheduled to reopen Saturday morning. The Giant Wheel was reported closed in newspapers due to an ongoing investigation; so please call ahead if you were planning an event or a visit for breakfast.

A Final Note

June 13th , Monday nite according to the television news; " We may never know how this little 11 year old fell from the gondola. Two independent cameras were checked by the authorities and did not record the child's fall. The Ferris wheel passed all required checks and tests . There are no safety belts but a locking gate was in proper running order." My personal view as a concerned citizen and a parent - "Why was an eleven year old child allowed to ride alone in the gondola to begin with?" I suffer from fear of heights . I wonder if she may have passed out from a similar fear and slid out of the conveyance below the recording range of these security cameras. My heart goes out to her parents and all visitors that day who had to witness the EMT's working to save that poor child. I also feel for the reputation of this wonderful family run park . I hope this update helps the general public and the Morey's Pier family, as well. My family and friends will continue to go to this park as we have done for decades.

A Note for the Holidays of 2012

According to the South Jersey newspaper , Morey's Pier is up and running. It was only minimally hurt by Hurricane Sandy . The following hours are for the breakfast in the sky - Advance reservations required. Limited availability. Open from November 26, 2012 thru January 4, 2013!

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Comments 20 comments

fetty 5 years ago from South Jersey Author

Nell Rose, thanks for stopping by. I hope to try this breakfast this summer. This was new last summer even though Morey's Pier has been around forever in Wildwood. This Ferris Wheel marks the center of the boardwalk and is a familiar landmark for all of us shore goers. The wheel does move very slowly as you are eating your breakfast and is only open for this meal during specific hours ( early AM) so that you WILL enjoy your experience. Also, you can see for several miles down the coastline on clear, sunny days. This is pricey and I would suggest only going when the weather obliges.

Nell Rose 5 years ago from England

Hi, this sounds like a great idea! not sure if my stomach would like it though! lol

fetty 5 years ago from South Jersey Author

Truckstop Sally , thank you for your humorous comment. I haven't tried this ride yet, but I will this spring. Wildwood is a fun place to be if you are ever in the area. There are plenty of land based restaurants,too!

Truckstop Sally 5 years ago

Sounds like fun! I might need to eat on firm ground -- before or after the ride.

fetty 6 years ago from South Jersey Author

saleheensblog, thank you for your helpful suggestion and stopping by. I have read of your suggestions to other hubbers and consider you very tech wise. Thanks again.

fetty 6 years ago from South Jersey Author

Granny's House , thank you for stopping by. I love Cape May it is our favorite beach spot. I think this idea is especially great for special occasions.

Granny's House 6 years ago from Older and Hopefully Wiser Time

Great hub! I used to live in the Villas and love Cape May. We now live upstate NY. We take our grandchildren to the Wildwood, Cape May area on vacation. Thanks for the memories. Will rate up!

fetty 6 years ago from South Jersey Author

Thank you James. I will report back how good the experience was when I find a person or family who tried this breakfast. The view from the Ferris Wheel is spectacular I know that from visiting there. Thanks for stopping by.

James A Watkins 6 years ago from Chicago

Fascinating. I would love to do this. I love originality, and these folks have it. So do you!

fetty 6 years ago from South Jersey Author

Dear chan0512 I believe the breakfast opportunity will reopen next May or June but currently at Morey's Pier they have a Ghost ship decked out for a real scare. Thank you for stopping by.

chan0512 6 years ago from Camarillo, CA

looks interesting! I may try this when I visit Jersey again. Thanks for sharing Fetty.

fetty 6 years ago from South Jersey Author

Giselle, thank you for stopping by. This attraction may be closed for this season but I'm sure it will be back next year. I haven't tried it yet but I'm hoping too. Thanks again for stopping by.

Giselle Maine 6 years ago

What a novel idea! Well, I guess if there are restaurants that rotate around horizontally (like on sky towers), why not have one that rotates vertically?! Great hub - it's clearly well researched and explains everything really well.

fetty 6 years ago from South Jersey Author

Prasetio, it isn't that scary because it travels extra slow as you are eating your breakfast. ( unless you are afraid of hts. ). I think it is the only experience like it on the East coast. Thank you for stopping by.

prasetio30 6 years ago from malang-indonesia

I never know about this before. This is unique hub, I like something unique. I thought only this places which offer a breakfast on a Ferris Wheel entire the world. It's must be a wonderful moment, between scary and fun. I hope I can try this someday. Thanks for share with us. Vote up ~prasetio

fetty 6 years ago from South Jersey Author

Thank you so much for your positive comments. New Jersey needs all the positive attention we can shower on this state. Our Jersey shore is outstanding but then I'm just biased. Thanks again for your poetic words.

epigramman 6 years ago

....actually the writing of this story defies gravity - and as Dean Martin once sang - Memories are made of this!

I felt two immediate sensations here: the love of good food in high places - and the joy that you brought to this labor of love for us to behold!

fetty 6 years ago from South Jersey Author

Our governor cut the funds to advertise about the summer fun one could have in NJ. He hopes each township will "find" the money and do it on their own. New Jersey needs all the positive advertising it can get. Yes, it is pricey ; but what a great way to celebrate a special event , I thought when I first heard of it. ( eg. engagement, wedding anniversary , birthday.) Thanks for reading my hub. :)

bayoulady 6 years ago from Northern Louisiana,USA

Sounds weird, but if one had the money, I guess it might be worth the try.

fetty 6 years ago from South Jersey Author

I have real pictures from Wildwood but haven't been able to figure out how to load them. I just left Internet Expl. and joined Firefox, just today. Please be patient, Thank you.